New Year

I was surprised to see the number of people looking at this blog in Delhi (India) hmmm....


Anyway, Its been a busy month. My best friend came in town from Guatemala this past month. Had fun hanging out and talking about his upcoming wedding next year in Guatemala. Gonna be Awesome! Please pray for him (David) and the preparation that goes into the wedding. He is also trying to adopt a little girl and will find out more details this February (very soon). Please Pray with me for that!

This weekend i will be headed to Atlanta, GA for Passion conference. Excited about that and praying that God would give me direction for this upcoming year. Please pray for me this upcoming weekend that I would listen to whatever God is trying to tell me.

Its looking like plans will be getting finalized for this years trip in about a month or so. Extremely excited to have the opportunity that i am going to have this year to, again, go on the other side of the world. I would very much like to return to visit my friends and the youth in northern India, but am waiting to see if thats what God wants me to do this year.

January is looking very busy (and thats a good thing). I will be heading up to Alex City, AL to get things ready for a group that is coming to New Orleans in April to serve with us at iTuesday and help out some local churches. Pumped about that. I am also looking forward to heading back to Picayune, MS to see some awesome friends and share on a wednesday night. There is a church here in New Orleans that helped me financially when i returned from India, and i might be given the opportunity to preach on a Sunday. Praying that all works out.

Realizing some stuff.
New Orleans.
iTuesday.
Church.
The importance of being active where you are at right now. I find myself to always be looking towards 'what's next' for me. By saying that, i mean i am looking forward to going back around the world. Thats cool.....but not if it takes focus away from the opportunities that are right in front of my face here. God is doing some really incredible stuff here at iTuesday in New Orleans. I'm so blessed to be apart of that family of friends that meet each week to grow together. I am beginning to see more clearly the opportunities to be a light here in New Orleans while i am here. Last night i had the opportunity to share at iTuesday about being a Sell Out for Jesus. Blessed to have that opportunity. Don't deserve it.

My encouragement to whoever is reading this: Be the light where you are. Let God work out the details for the 'next step' while you focus on being the light right now.

Love you guys and appreciate your prayer and support.




Here is a picture that was taken a week ago of David, McKenzie and I. Blessed to have these two as friends. Both David and McKenzie live at Casa Bernabe in Guatemala.

Long time...

Its been a long time since i've sat down to update this blog. I've been busy the past several weeks. My best friend is in town from Guatemala and will be returning there this thursday. I will be writing very soon.
Thank you for praying for me.

Happy Thanksgiving

Last week was awesome. I had the chance to go with a couple friends to SIFAT and then to Ozark, AL. While at SIFAT, I had the opportunity to talk with a small youth group from Gainsville, FL about the importance of reading the Bible. Always surprised at the doors God opens when you least expect it. After leaving SIFAT, we went to Ozark, AL to see Reggie (past youth pastor) and his youth group. Reggie gave me the opportunity to talk about missions and God's faithfulness when i was in India. Had the chance to talk with a lot of the kids there about what God is doing in their lives. They have kept in touch with me since i left and continue to keep me updated about their desire to 'GO' and do missions. I'm looking forward to going back to Ozark in a couple weeks with my friends David and McKenzie.

I was surprised to see how many people, from different countries have been looking at this blog: Kiev, Ukraine - Brasilia, Brazil - Barcelona, Spain - Mumbai, India - Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand - Kigali, Rwanda - Paterna, Spain -Bangalore, India - Edmonton, Canada - Singapore

Thank You for reading this blog and for praying for me. I mean that. Thank You.

In a couple weeks (first week in December), my friends from Gautemala will be coming home for the Christmas holiday. I'm pumped. I miss them.

Right now, i'm starting to get the plans together for next year and where I will be going, if God allows me to. Next blog, i'll tell you about the opportunities i will have next year and how you can participate/support if you would like to.

I have been in touch with my friends in India this past week. David writes me about once a week and gives me an update on how things are going in Northern India. Blessed to see God opening doors for me and David in Nepal for next year. PLEASE continue to pray for our friends around the world who are serving (Please read blog right before this one.)

I continue to pray that God would open doors for me to preach the gospel. Please pray with me. I was encouraged to hear this week that several friends of mine who are youth pastors showed my documentary (The 'GO'ing) to their youth over the past couple weeks.

So today, i leave. I'll be gone for a week with some friends for Thanksgiving vacation. Will be back next Saturday.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Read Your Bible.
It's Awesome.



P.S. Be thankful for your Bible.....especially if it is in your own language. Not all people have the blessing of having a Bible in their own language. While in northern India, when i had the opportunity to talk about Jesus, David had to translate exactly what i was saying. He was unable to tell the people to turn to a certain scripture because there is no Bible in their language. If you have your bible, read it. So Thankful for my Bible.

Work and Pray

THANK YOU for continuing to read this blog and to pray for me.

I wanted to write this blog and ask for prayer for myself and some friends of mine.



This is David and Glory and their 2 children. I stayed with them when i was in India. I have been in touch with David on a weekly basis as he updates me of what is going on with the ministry there. I would like to ask for you prayer for David and his family. Pray for God to continue to open doors for them to witness and disciple the people of Nagaland. David wrote me about a month ago telling me their need for transportation (particularly, a motorcycle because of the roads there). Members of iTuesday were able to raise enough money ($1,000) to purchase this motorcycle for David and his family. I am extremely excited to be sending him this money to purchase the motorcycle in the next couple of weeks. Please continue to pray for them.



Raphael is a pastor in Nigeria. I was blessed to meet him this past summer while working at SIFAT (mission camp in Lineville,AL). I hope and pray that one day i can visit Raphael in Nigeria and see first hand the work that he is doing there. He came to iTuesday, before returning to Nigeria, and shared an awesome message with us about missions. Raphael is back in Nigeria now with his family and has continued to work in the ministry there. I have been in touch with Raphael and he asked for prayer for finances regarding rent, medical bills, feeding, transportation and other. I have asked Raphael how we can partner with him and support him financially. I will update you on this if you would like to support Raphael and his family. Please pray for Raphael and his family.




This is my best friend David. Love him. He is living at Casa Bernabe in Guatemala. The little girl pictured here is a little girl that he is trying to adopt. I was able to go to Guatemala earlier this year and meet her. Please pray for David and this situation. As some of you know, international adoption is something that normally doesn't go so smoothly....but we serve a LIVING God. A God who listens when we pray. PLEASE pray with me for David and for this little girl. Pray that God would be glorified in this situation and His perfect will be done in Davids life.




Mckenzie is another awesome friend of mine who is living in Guatemala at Casa Bernabe. She has been living there this past year and will be coming home in a couple week to have surgery on her ear. Please pray for her as she is now at the orphanage and as she comes home in a couple weeks. Pray that God would give her peace and strength while she is at Casa Bernabe.




I have been blessed to have been offered an opportunity to work as an assistant photographer for the New Orleans Hornets. This allows me the opportunity to work at night and the freedom to continue to focus on the ministry and travel. In order to support myself and the cost with traveling (in the US and Internationally), i am a photographer. I have been a professional photographer for about 5 years now and focus mainly on wedding photography. I have almost completed my website (www.perfectshotsphoto.com) and pray that God would open doors for me to work so that i can continue to focus on the ministry here and around the world. Please pray for me that God would open doors for me and continue to provide for me financially.

This weekend i will be going to SIFAT. I just found out that i might have the opportunity to share with a group from Florida on Saturday night. Awesome. Sunday, i will be heading to Ozark, AL to visit my good friend and past youth pastor Reggie. Im looking forward to seeing him again and sharing with his youth group about missions and God's faithfulness while i was in India.

Please pray for all of these things with me.

THANK YOU.

Fuel 2010. Back to Nawlins.

Back home in New Orleans after an awesome weekend in San Francisco at the annual Fuel retreat. Being asked to speak and help out was a privilege i hope to have again. Hanging out and worshiping with friends was awesome. Being able, again, to say 'thank you' to those people who were praying for me while i was in India was a blessing. Can't explain how grateful i am for friends who pray for me.

I spoke about missions, both local and global. I have been in contact with some of those who went on the retreat since being home. I'm excited to see what God is doing in their lives and what he is going to do. Hopefully i get to serve alongside those guys one day outside of this country (maybe india?...hmmmm...lol).

God has been doing a lot of work on my heart lately. Especially this past weekend. Lots of stuff he is dealing with me about right now. It's good to be home. It was awesome to be with iTuesday last night and awesome to be able to share about intimacy with Christ and brokenness (Hosea 6:1, Psalm 86:11, Psalm 51:16-17, Psalm 34:18). I will write about this later this week.

Been extremely busy since being home from India. That is a blessing. Now i get to rest a bit.

THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR ME.



also, i have several copies left of the documentary that i made while in India (The 'GO'ing). I would like to send you one if you want a copy. please let me know. sdaigle188@gmail.com

FUEL retreat (San Francisco)

I'm leaving today for San Francisco. I'll be speaking at FUEL retreat this weekend about missions. Pumped about that. Excited (as always) to see what God is going to do in my life and the lives of the kids going to this retreat. Blessed to have this opportunity to share about missions and God's faithfulness. I ask that you pray with me for this upcoming weekend. Please pray for me as i prepare to speak. Pray that God would use me in an awesome way and He would speak through me. Pray for the kids who will be attending this years retreat. Pray that they would be open to the word of God and what He wants to do in their life.

We serve a LIVING God....don't forget that.

I come back to New Orleans on monday to get ready for next week's iTuesday. Love that family.

In awe of the one who gave it all...

Sunday night in Alexander City was awesome. 4-5 youth groups showed up for the SNS (Sunday Night Service). I was given the opportunity to share about missions and India. Planting seeds. I was talking with the youth minister there (daniel) who will be trying to organize a trip to New Orleans next year. Pumped about that. Blessed to have been able to tell some people (Krisit and Bryan Hanna, Savanah, Brady and Daniel) Thank You for praying for me while i was in India. Can't tell you how much it meant to me to know you were keeping up with what was happening, praying for me and telling others to pray for me. THANK YOU!

Monday i went to SIFAT to get things ready for our iTuesday retreat next month. Great to see Nate, Laura and Mary and spend some time with them. I didn't want to leave. That retreat is going to incredible.




After driving 900 miles in less than 30 hours, i made it back to New Orleans just in time to get ready for iTuesday. I spoke about the importance of God's word. Not only reading it, but doing it (James 1:22-25, James 2:14-25). iTuesday was packed this past week. We saw a lot of new faces. There was a christian rock band (Kiros Kiros) from Canada that is on tour right now in the US. They were passing through New Orleans and stopped by iTuesday this week. Awesome guys. Very challenged by the conversations i had with them. iTuesday keeps getting better and better. The family keeps growing. love it.

Last night i was given the opportunity to speak at Verbo's youth group. Awesome time with those guys. Very excited to see what God is doing there and how much they continue to grow in number and in their relationship with Christ. I appreciate the opportunity that was given to talk last night. Saw God do some cool stuff.

4 days. 900 miles. Preached 3x. Blessed.

This weekend is going to be a needed get away to relax. Every year, about 20 of my friends have an annual camping trip. Thats happening this Saturday. I'm looking forward to spending some time away with my good friends this weekend. Leaving tomorrow and coming back on Sunday.

Next week i will be flying to San Francisco, CA to help and speak at a youth retreat. Please pray with me for that retreat and that God would use me in an awesome way.


THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO READ THIS AND PRAY FOR ME!

Radio

Tonight i had the opportunity to talk on the radio. I was given about 45 minutes to share about missions and what happened in India. It was a spanish station, so i spoke in english and someone translated into spanish. Amazing opportunity. Blessed to have been able to do that. Never thought i would be able to talk on the radio....ever. That was cool. Blessed.

Tomorrow, i leave for Alexander City, Alabama. I will be speaking at a youth rally at 7pm. I've been looking forward to this for months, ever since the last time i was there and able to share with a youth group. Tomorrow night is going to be awesome, i know it. Exited to see what God is going to do. Please pray for me and with me about the youth rally. Pray for my safety as i drive up to Alexander City (6 hours). Pray that I am obedient to what God wants me to say. Pray that those who show up make a decision to follow after Christ with all they have. Pray for God to change lives.

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for praying for me.

Busy Weekend Ahead

Thank You for reading this and continuing to pray for me.

Last week I had the opportunity to go with my brother in law to a school in New Orleans (McMain). I was given the opportunity to share the gospel with 100 + of the high school kids there. Awesome opportunity. They listened. Seed planted. (see picture above)

Tonight was iTuesday. It keeps getting bettter...seriously. We keep seeing more new people show up on tuesday night to hear the gospel and grow in their faith. Im excited to see what happens over the next couple months. God's going to do some awesome stuff.

This upcoming weekend will be busy. Friday night i will be leading worship in spanish at a young adults meeting. Saturday night i've been asked to be on the radio. Yea, kinda crazy. I'm told that someone heard my testimony about Gods faithfulness while i was in India...and they knew someone with a radio program...and one thing led to another. Saturday night. 8pm. 600 AM in New Orleans. That's what i'm told. I've been praying daily that God would continue to open doors for me to share the gospel. He's doing it. On Sunday i will be going to Alexander City, Alabama. I've been looking forward to this for months. I'm going to be given to opportunity to share at a youth rally there. I'm told all the churches in the area will be bringing their youth (something like 200+ kids, i think). Incredible opportunity. I'm pumped.

Please pray for me this weekend. I ask that you pray for God to use me in an awesome by sharing about who He is and what He has done. Pray that I would listen to God on what to say when these moments come up and i'm asked to speak. Can't wait to write about what God does this weekend. I know its going to be awesome. Open Doors. I love it. I don't deserve it. He's awesome.

Grace Point Church II

Yesterday i was blessed with the opportunity to share at Grace Point Church in Tyler, TX. It was awesome. I They just moved into a new building and have been growing in number since the last time that i saw them. I shared there about a week before i left for India. I was able to share about what happened in India as well as thank them for praying for me while i was gone. Love these guys. It awesome to have friends around the country who love Jesus. Next week they are having an outreach event in Tyler, TX. Please pray for them and this upcoming week as they share the gospel with friends and family members in the park.

Home in New Orleans now. Getting ready for iTuesday tomorrow. Pumped to be sharing tomorrow night. Been thinking a lot lately about the verse 1 Timothy 4:9-10:

'This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the LIVING GOD, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.'

I get pumped up when i read that. Especially the part that says our hope is in the LIVING God. Awesome to know that the Bible is true. Awesome to know that we serve a LIVING God, who hears us when we pray, who orders every step we take, who blesses us with today. Yea, i can't get this verse out of my head. When i first read it i just thought of those words 'LIVING GOD' and how billions of people around the world bow down to idols made by human hands. Blessed to know the LIVING GOD. Tell others about Him today....for real.

Documentary: 'The 'GO'ing'

I am almost finished with the documentary ( The 'GO'ing ) that i filmed while in India. It is going to be around 1 hour long and it includes each part of my visit to India. I showed it at iTuesday a couple weeks ago and everyone who was there said good things about it. I'm blessed to have been able to have the footage that i filmed. I think it will be helpful to see this if you are considering missions. I hope to be able to mail out copies of the documentary sometime in the next 2 weeks. If you would like a copy, please email me at sdaigle188@gmail.com

Tonight is iTuesday. McKenzie is talking tonight. David and McKenzie are going back to Guatemala tomorrow. I hope to be able to go to Guatemala later this year to see them again.

This upcoming Sunday i will be going to Tyler, Texas to share at Grace Point Church. I'm pumped. It's going to be good to see everyone again from GPC and thank them for praying for me. I'm looking forward to telling them how faithful God is. Please pray for me as i prepare to preach on Sunday. Also pray for those who will be at GPC on Sunday.

Thank You for praying for me and supporting me.

Telling what He's done...

Thank you for continuing to pray for me. If you have not read the blog directly under this, please do so.

I have been blessed with several opportunities since being home to share about God's faithfulness and about Missions. Last week i was able to visit some amazing friends in Picayune, MS. Love those guys. They are amazing. Here is a picture of me and some of the youth that were there last wednesday night.



This past Sunday, i was privileged to share at my home church in New Orleans, Verbo Ministries. I shared about my experience in India and about God's faithfulness. It was a great experience being able to encourage my home church. Blessed to have been able to do that. I hope for more opportunities to do that in the future. Here is a picture from this past Sunday at Verbo in New Orleans.



I pray that God would continue to open doors for me to tell others about the importance of 'GO'ing and telling others about Jesus. I am extremely excited to be going back to Grace Point Church in Tyler, TX on October 3. I had the opportunity to share there before i left for India. It's going to be awesome seeing them again and telling them what happened face to face. Please pray for me and for Grace Point Church.

Tonight is Tuesday....which means....iTuesday. Yea, I'm pumped. This past Friday, my friends who are living at Casa Bernabe (orphanage) in Guatemala came in town for about 10 days. David and McKenzie are here. I remember when i was in India and found out that i was being watched. I immediately wrote David and McKenzie. Reason: I knew that they would pray for me non-stop. Blessed to have amazing friends like them. For real. They will be sharing at iTuesday tonight and next week. Please pray for tonights meeting.

Again, if you have prayed for me, supported me financially.....THANK YOU. Still looking forward to thanking you in person.
I am still raising support for next year and for David and Glory in Nagaland. If you would like to give to me or to them, please click the donate button, or send me an email. (sdaigle188@gmail.com)




I've been thinking and missing Shedziinai a lot. This is Glory and David's daughter. Every morning while i was in India she would walk to my room and beat on the door yelling 'Uncle Stephen!'. David told me that she continues to do that, even though i am not there. Yea, i miss her. Please pray for David and his family.

Home. Help. Pray. Support.

I've been home for about a week now and im still trying to process all that happened. All the doors that God opened in India. All the opportunities to share. All the seeds that were planted. Everything. It amazes and humbles me at what God did with my life while i was in India. I went to India with a hope that would be able to share the gospel. God allowed me to share the gospel in 5 different languages.....yea, awesome.

I am unsure who has been reading this blog and been praying for me. But i want to tell you THANK YOU for continuing to read this and for praying for my life and my safety while i was in India. I ask that you pray for doors to open here in New Orleans and wherever in America for me to share about what God did in India and about His faithfulness. If you have supported me financially, or through prayer, i would like to thank you in person if possible. If that is a possibility, please email me so we can get together and talk.

Doors have been open for me to do youth conferences next year in northern India and Nepal. I am extremely excited about these opportunities. I have been asked to put a team together for next year and return to India to work with the local churches, youth and the children. Interested? email me. (sdaigle188@gmail.com)

Since being home, i have had been blessed to be with my family and with iTuesday. Tonight is Tuesday night. I will be sharing here in New Orleans and be showing a documentary that i made while in India called 'The 'GO'ing'. If you would like a copy of this movie, i would like to send you one. please email me and i will put one in the mail when i can.

Tomorrow night i will be blessed AGAIN with the opportunity to go to Picayune, Mississippi and share with the youth there about missions and God's faithfulness and being obedient to the call to follow Christ.

I had to run out of India quickly and left a majority of my stuff (camera bag, clothes, wallet, phone, etc..). I will begin to raise support to replace those things that i left, as well as help me get back to India. If you would like to support me, please PRAY for me. If you would like to help me financially, you can either click the donate button on the right or send me an email so we can talk.

THANK YOU for reading this and for continuing to pray for me. I am very grateful for your prayers and support.

The Great Escape Part II

David and I rode on two buses for a total of 34 STRAIGHT hours to reach the border of India and Nepal. By FAR, the nastiest bus i have ever been on in my life. No sleep or rest for 34 hours. Once we arrived at the border i had to purchase a visa to get into Nepal. One of the languages that David speaks is Nepali...perfect.

Right when we entered Nepal there was a man standing there selling an airplane ticket to Katmandu (capital of Nepal) which left in 30 minutes. He told us it was the last plane leaving for Katmandu for a couple days. Again, Thank You God. I bought this ticket ($100 US) and went straight to the plane. The SMALLEST plane i've ever been on in my life. Hello Turbulence. David and I parted ways as he headed back to Nagaland (a two day journey).

By myself now.

After arriving at Katmandu, i grabbed my luggage and walked about a half a mile in the rain to the international airport. I attempted to go inside and buy a ticket when i was stopped by the police at the door and told to leave. I would not be allowed to enter and buy a ticket. I was standing there, in the rain, with the little that i had. I remember telling God, 'Here i am, you got me out of India. I hate to ask again, but please help me.' I was in a country i had never been in, dont speak the language and know nobody. About 1 minute after asking God to help me a man walked up to me speaking perfect english and said, 'Would it be ok if i help you?' I laughed. Is this for real? Never been so amazed by Gods faithfulness to take care of those who seek Him.

This man took me to a travel agency about 40 minutes from the airport. I sat in front of a big desk and the man asked me 'where are you coming from?'. I told him i was coming from Nagaland. He dropped the pen in is hand. He looked at me and said, 'I'm from Nagaland....How did YOU get into Nagaland? I was born there and i still have trouble getting in.' Again, God reminded me of how awesome he was and the amazing things he had done in my life over the past 2 weeks. An American boy from New Orleans was allowed into restricted area to preach the gospel, when not even those from that SAME restricted area can go.

He booked me a ticket and told me how much it was. $1500 US. Cant really express how i felt inside when he told me that number. That is an insane amount of money and i sat there debating on wether or not to just sleep on the street in Nepal so i wouldn't have to spend that much. On top of that, the last time i looked into my bank account, i only had $300 US. But i had to get home and knew, again, God would have to provide. I handed the man my card and waited for him to tell me 'Your card has been declined.' ....but that never happened. He gave me the receipt. I couldn't believe it. My friends back home in New Orleans, at iTuesday, and friends in Guatemala had raised enough money to put what i needed into my account to get home. That might be one of the most humbling moments of my life. To know that I have true friends, that pray for me and will go the distance, no matter what the cost. I definitely dont deserve to have friends like that. Blessed.

30 hours on 2 planes, im in Los Angeles. I have no cash, no phone and need to call my parents. I ask the lady sitting next to me if i can borrow her phone. She allows me to call my dad, who I begin to explain a little of what actually happened. After ending the conversation, i give the lady her phone back. She looks at me and says, 'So you've had a rough half of the day, huh?'. I just looked at her. Then it hit me. The door was open for me to share about Gods love to this lady. I talked to her for about an hour and told her about what had happened, my testimony and that God desired to have a relationship with her. NOT just the going to church and singing the songs, but that He wanted to know her and her to know Him. She listened the whole time. There is no big 'bow' on this story. We didn't pray together. She didn't commit her life to Christ. But the seed was planted. Blessed again to share about Gods love and mercy.



Here is a picture of one of the youth meetings in Nagaland.



Next Blog: Home. Help and Support.

The Great Escape

After being able to preach at the police station to the youth of the police officers, David turned and looked at me and said, 'This is a miracle.' A majority of those kids gave their life to Christ that night. Please pray for those kids, that they would continue to seek God and grow in their faith. Immediately after i was done sharing, a man from the police church came up to me and asked if i would be in town that weekend. I told him i was suppose to leave to head back to Mumbai. He said he wanted me to talk to all the police officers and their families the upcoming Sunday.

We returned home that night and told the pastor, who couldn't believe it. Everybody we told had a huge smile on their face and were encouraged to know that after everything that had happened (police station, deported, etc..), God was faithful through it all.

That night, i prayed and asked God for wisdom as my days in Nagaland were coming to an end. As i prayed, i felt God speak to my heart and say 'Go Home, you did what you were sent to do.' Immediately I thought to myself, 'shut up satan, im not scared to stay here.' That night i did not sleep. The next day, i have never felt God speak to me so strongly as he continued to tell me to 'Go home, You did what you were sent to do.' This went on for 2 days and i was unable to sleep for both nights. Finally, i was frustrated and asked God to please confirm that He really wanted me to go home....because i was willing to stay. On the third day, i woke up to find a lady from the local village at davids house. She had come over to give me something. She said that she was thinking about me the previous night and God wanted her to give me some verses. Those verses were Matthew 10:16-17. 'I am sending you out like sheep among wolves-Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.' As soon as i read it i knew that God was trying to tell me that i need to leave. The first thing that came to my mind was that i had been like a dove the entire time i was there and it was time to be like a snake and sneak out of india. I kept all this to myself. Later that same day, still feeling very uneasy about going back to mumbai, i was blessed to be in front of a computer. I checked my mail....and decided to take a look at who had been looking at my blog....as soon as i opened the program that tracks my blog, my heart dropped. People around where i was staying in India had been watching my blog the entire time i was in India. Yes, THIS BLOG. Not only that, but people in the neighboring state which had recently killed youth in front of a church for their faith in Christ. I showed David and we both prayed. He told me that the night before, He and Glory were woken up at 1am with a very uneasy spirit. He was very worried for my safety and we both decided that it was best for me to leave the country immediately. I had a plane ticket that was to leave to head back to Mumbai on friday, which means that i had to be out of the country by friday just in case the government noticed i missed my flight and were to look for me.
We immediately went back to David's house where i threw all i had into my bags. We looked at a map and decided between the 4 possible northern countries to go to, that Nepal was the best option. David, Glory and I sat down to pray before we were to leave. David's prayer was 'God, just as you delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, and you opened the red sea, we pray that you not only open the way for us to leave, but also close the sea behind us.' David and i ran out the house to the bus station. I got on the bus and immediately called a friend (speaking in spanish in case they were listening to the phone call) and asked Him to pray and for financial help. I knew i was going to need a miracle financially to get home. David got on the bus with a huge smile. I looked at him and thought to myself, 'how can you smile right now.' He looked at me and said, 'guess what the bus station just told me.'....'This is the last bus out of Nagaland for 3 days and they are closing the roads behind us. Nobody will be able to leave nagaland and go to nepal for 3 days after this bus leaves.'..

speechless....

i'll write all that happened next later..

Police Church

Never walked so much.
Never sweat so much.
Never preached the gospel so much in my entire life.

Blessed to be able to say all those things.

Last Sunday, i was given the opportunity to share at Church in Nagaland. Later that afternoon i was able to share again at 3pm at their weekly youth service. There were two youth there who invited me to preach across town later that night. As soon as youth was over, 8 of us piled into a very small vehicle and headed across town. To my surprise, we pulled up to the police station, where i had been deported at. The first thing i though was.. 'they set me up, im gonna be arrested again.' But that was not the case. We were escorted into the police compound (where all the police officers and their families live). I was brought into a large building where about 50 or so youth were waiting. These were all the kids of the police officers. They asked me if i would share something with the youth. David looked at me and laughed. 'This is a miracle, i don't understand any of this. This is your purpose for being here,' he told me. I got up and was able to preach the gospel to these youth for about 45 minutes. I shared my testimony as well as challenged them in their walk with Christ. Many of those youth gave their life to Christ that night. It was the most amazing moment of my life to know that God had taken me through that police station two weeks earlier, after being deported, and brought me back to that same exact place to preach the gospel.


I'm speechless at how awesome God is.

Next post: The Great Escape.

Speechless....

so much to write.
so many stories.
Everything summed up by saying...

God is Faithful.




Every detail will be explained what has happened over the next couple days.
Undeserving to have friends (known and unknown) who have prayed for my life.
I'm alive.
I'm home.

Open Doors...

...

not really sure what to say anymore. too much to write. too much i'm thinking. too much going on. Please continually pray for me.

My prayer has been for God to open doors for me to share...that even the people here would be amazed at the open doors in my life. well, that happened. yesterday.

I spoke at youth last sunday night. 40+ kids. amazing. no words to describe. After returning home with David, there were several youth waiting at his house. They told us about how they went to their college and shared about what we talked about on Sunday. I am invited to share across town this upcoming sunday night at another place (ironically, located next to police station where i was deported)with even more youth. Again, last night was a special youth meeting. After it was over, david was speaking to a man. He is a teacher at a school here. He has invited me to share to the entire school this upcoming tuesday.

Tonight i am teaching songs to the youth and preparing for tomorrow (Sunday).

Tomorrow i will be sharing in the morning, at youth at 3, and across town at 430.

Too much more to share. not enough time or $$$ to continue writing.

one more thought (and something i'm thankful for). As much as i enjoy hunting, killing, skinning and cooking my own dinner.....i am thankful for Chik Fil A.

please pray for me.

Drained

man...

Extremely blessed to be able to get on a computer here and write this.

Never been so drained in my entire life. Physically, Spiritually, Emotionally.
Since being here in Nagaland, i have been able to preach and share the Gospel over 9 times to 9 different groups of people in Hindi, Nepali and Nagamese. Yesterday was church. I woke up at 530 to teach sunday school to 50 kids (Daniel and the Lions Den and David and Goliath), preached at church (Importance of Listening), shared my testimony at youth and Preached again at a special sunday night service. In between each service i had to walk a mile back to the house to rest, try and eat and take a nap. I have NEVER been so drained, but at the same time, never felt that God was the one working through my life. I have nothing left. I mean that. I'm so tired and in awe of everything that has happened. There is still another 12 days left here. More churches, more youth, more kids, more Hindu's, more Nepali's, more Naga's...

I just opened my facebook (something i do NOT take for granted anymore..so blessed to have that thing to be connected with friends who pray for me). Couldn't help but cry when my homepage came up. It's a good thing im in the corner of this cafe with curtains around me. Tears running down my face. I am so blessed to have amazing friends and family who have written to me and posted encouaraging things on my wall. you have NO IDEA HOW MUCH I NEED THAT. For you to write me a bible verse is like food to me. I mean that. I now know what it means to live off of the word of God...seriously, not joking. I have not been feeling very well. Eating frogs, worms, pig and even killing my own chicken to eat. All together...so worth it. Worth every moment of the discomfort that i feel.

The pastor sat me down yesterday and looked me in the eyes. He says 'Word about what God has done in your life is spreading through Nagaland. We had a lot of people at church this morning. Next week, we expect much more. Everyone has heard about the miracle God has done and how you are here. It really is a miracle.'

I sat down after thinking i was going to die...no joke. i felt bad because of everyone who was involved and how much draining it had to be on everyone who was there. David turned and looked at me and said...'Every person who was involved in this situation has been blessed to be apart of it. They have seen God's faithfulness like they have never seen it before.' It is very hard for me to believe that because of all the emotions that i had running through me, but i do believe that. I believe that because i am alive...only because GOD had kept me alive and continues to be faithful to me.

Seriously, love you all, more than you know. Don't have the words to express it. Please contintue to pray for me as the next 13 days (unless i get deported again) will be just as busy as the past 4.

I thank God for YOU.

Deported

Cant tell you how blessed i am to be able to write what i'm about to write.

I was interrogated in Kalkutta.
Met at airport in Nagaland by military.
Put in office and interrogated again.
Taken to police station in the 'criminal office'
Deported.
Put in back of military truck with police officers and driven outside of Nagaland.
FORCED to stay at expensive hotel that i had to pay for.
Told not to leave hotel.

Then...

God makes a way. Showes himsefl FAITHFUL to me and i am now writing this while sitting at a very shaddy internet cafe in Nagaland. I was allowed into the city a couple hours ago.

I am here with David Pou (who stuck by my side during the whole mess) and his family. Amazing people. Great Faith. Nothing but encouragement through it all.

Never felt so close to God in my entire life.

In the midst of the situation, david looks at me and says, 'it is obvious that satan does not want you here...your purpose is big.' I believe that and ask that you pray with me for God to use me in a mighty way during my time here in Nagaland. I already have my schedule for the next 2 weeks. Looks to be the busiest 2 weeks of my life.

Again, God is FAITHFUL. So blessto know the LIVING and TRUE God who delivers and makes a way where there is no way.

ABSOLUTELY undeserving of everything that is in front of me at this moment.
So much more to write, but no time.
Thank you for praying for me.

Open Doors...

If you haven't read the blog post under this (Shanti Orphange), please do so.

Today was an amazing testimony of how God opens doors. Tonight I went to a friends house here in Mumbai. I was introduced to this new friend (We'll call him Vik) last week right after i arrived here. Vik and his family are Hindi. They have an idol in their kitchen with candles burning around it. We got to his house around 7 o'clock tonight. His family is very wealthy. They have 2 servants, 2 cars and houses in other parts of India. Just being invited to his house was a testimony that God will order your footsteps when you seek after Him. Vik is extremely talented and very smart. He speaks 5 languages fluently. After getting to the house, we met his parents. Both were very kind and later took us out to dinner. While still at the house, Vik wanted to show us that he knew how to play the paino. He played several songs then asked if I knew how to play. I said yes, but to be honest, the only songs i know how to play on the piano are worship songs. One of the languages that Vik speaks fluently is Spanish. So, i played a worship song in spanish as my friend and i sang the song. Vik just sat there and stared. While in the middle of this, i couldn't help but take notice to the facts. I'm sitting in a rich Hindi family's house in India with an idol in the next room, and i'm singing worship songs in spanish that he understands. That's crazy. That's God. After playing for a little bit i offered to teach him how to play some songs while i am here. He immediately said 'yes' and we are planning to get together in a couple weeks. I will be teaching him the songs i played tonight (worship songs). Again, that's crazy. Think about that. While he is home practicing what i teach him in the next couple weeks, he will be practicing worship songs to God. Seeds being planted. Pray for Vik.

It's 12:30 am on Tuesday morning. I have to pack and the lights in my room dont work. I'm using a flash light to pack my suitcase. I have to leave in about 5 hours to go to the airport. I will be flying from Mumbai to Kalkuta to Dimapur. David Pou will pick me up from the airport then we will head to Nagaland.

I highly doubt i will have service to do anything on the internet while i am there. This will probably be my last blog post for a couple weeks until i get back to Mumbai on Sept. 4. Please pray for my safety. Also pray that God opens doors for me to serve, encourage and preach the Gospel.

Thank You for reading this, for praying for me and all the things i post on here.

Shanti Orphanage

Yesterday i went to the Shanti Orphanage (located about 3 hours from where I am staying). There are 27 kids at this orphanage...and they are amazing. I was able to spend some time there and see where they live, how they live and also see some of the needs that they have. They do not speak English very well (if at all). There are only 2 that i was able to communicate with in English.




This is Roxana. She is one of the 2 that was able to communicate, a little, in english. She taught me some hindi (how to say 'Jesus loves You' and 'You are my little sister'). It is impossible for me not to smile when i see her. She is always smiling, even in the pictures i have from last year when i saw her.



This is the newest member of the orphanage. She came a couple months ago when her parents died. Every kid has a story, all of which you could write a book about.



They love taking pictures. They like to take my camera and see themselves in the pictures that i take. I noticed that there were no pictures anywhere in the house. I took pictures of all the kids yesterday while i was there. I am going to print up the pictures and bring them to the orphanage when i get back to Nagaland.





Always smiling.



This is my other little friend who speaks a little english.



About 10 feet from the orphange are the slums. There are tons of kids living in houses like you see in the background of this picture.



This girl is obviously a saints fan. She is getting ready for the Saints season by wearing her black and gold. =)



I asked yesterday about the adoptions process. 'Under no circumstances are any of the children adopted out' i was told. This is because, in the past, those who have adopted the children have turned them into child servants or sold them into the sex trade industry.

Everyday, I see how my 'needs' do not even compare to those living here in India. I was blown away by the living conditions that these kids live in. All 27 kids sleep on the floor (some in a room, some in a hallway). They have a little mat that they roll up and sleep on. They use the restroom outside of the orphanage. They do not have clean water and the food that is prepared for them is not prepared under safe conditions. They do not brush their teeth because they do not have toothbrushes or toothpaste. There are many more needs that i could list...

Help me help them? Please.

I want to do as much as i can for these kids while i am here. I would like to buy them 54 toothbrushes (so each child has an extra when one gets used up), toothpaste, 27 NEW pillows, maybe some shoes and some clothes (I can just go and buy alot, because each kid is a different size and they will all be able to be used) and anything else that i see that i can help them with. I brought some food yesterday (chocolates and cookies) to give the kids, but realized that was nothing compared to their needs. I will buy all these things (as much as i can afford) when i return from Nagaland in 3 weeks. If you would like to help me buy these things ($10 would really help), please click the donate button and you will be able to give me money. I will take photos of everything i buy and when i bring it to them so that you know that your money is being used wisely and for this purpose. I ask that you send me an email (sdaigle188@gmail.com) telling me that you have donated and if there is something specifically that you would like me to do with the money you give.

THANK YOU for reading this and praying for me. Please pray for the kids at the Shanti Orphanage. Pray that God continues to protect them and keep them safe while they are given an environment that shows them the love of Christ.

The Crib

This is where i live in India.

This is my room.

This is the bathroom. There is a little hot water heater on the wall, but it doesn't work. Only cold water. After taking a shower, you have to use the squeegy mop and push the water into the drain.

There is a washer machine in the apartment, but the dryer does not work. I washed a load of clothes yesterday, but something went wrong and the soap didn't mix (so they stink...haha). I let my clothes dry outside the window, but after 2 days, they still haven't dried. That might be because when it rains (everyday), my clothes are hanging outside and get wet.

Today is Sunday. I will go to church this morning at the local church (5 minute walk from house). After service, we will be going to Shanti Orphanage to see the kids. Thank You for keeping me in your prayers.

Yawhar

Last night we went to Yawhar. After 3 hours of driving up a mountain in the middle of nowhere, we reached a little village with no electricity, phones or clean water. We were told that it had been some time since anyone from the church has been to this village because the last time they came, a woman tried to stone the pastor. We were very unsure what the situation was going to be when we arrived.



We go to Yawhar around 7pm, so it was dark. You couldn't see anything except for a couple candles burning in some mud houses. We brought food into the house and the children in the village all came to the house and sat down. The house was filled with posters on the walls of different Hindu gods. We were unable to preach the gospel last night because of the uneasiness that the pastor felt from the last time they came. But, we were able to sing a song with the children, distribute food and tell those who showed up that Jesus loved them.



There was little girl who came last night that put a huge smile on my face. She sat right across from the while everyone sang and as the food was distributed. Everytime i looked at her she had a huge smile on her face. I made funny faces at her and we laughed back and forth for about 5 minutes. I noticed that she was coughing a lot while we were there. I was able to sit next to her and put my hand on her shoulder and pray for her. Im blessed to have had that opportunity to pray for healing for her. Please keep her in your prayers as well as the children in that village.



After we distributed food to those who showed up (lettuce, bread and peppers), we left. We made it home last night around midnight. I took notice last night to the last time that i was here in India and visited that same village. I was able to share a message for 15 minutes about God's love that was translated into their language. This was one year ago. Now, that same message couldn't be preached in that same village because the circumstances had changed. I'm so blessed to have had that opportunity one year ago to share about Gods love. Makes me think, the opportunities we have right now may not be available later. Share your testimony and the Gospel NOW....because you may not have that same opportunity in the future.

I have been studying and praying, preparing myself for next week when i leave to live with david and his family in the mountains. I want to be ready to share the faith i have in Christ if I am given the opportunity, no matter what the setting is like. I had a conversation yesterday with a member of the church here that caught my attention and concerned me. I ask for you to pray for my safety.

Again, thank you for reading this and praying for me.

Got My Ticket! Yawhar Tonight.

Thank You for reading this and keeping me in your prayers.


Yesterday was a very eventful day. I went out for the first time by myself on a train ride around India. I bought a ticket and got on a train to Church Gate (an hour away). The train was extremely packed....i think someone punched me in the back a couple times. I familiarized myself with as much of the city as possible. After, i took a train ride to Bandra. I spent part of the day there and eventually met up with a friend to have coffee. While in Bandra, i was in a rickshaw and passed by a store that was run by a muslim man. The music was very loud so everyone could hear. Later that afternoon, i passed by the same store and there were about 200 men, on the ground in the middle of the road on their knees praying while this music was loud for all to hear. It was something i have never seen before. There were so many men on the ground praying that they were blocking the street.



This morning i woke up and bought my ticket to go to Nagaland. After some trouble with my bank card, because i'm not in america and trying to use it in India, the situation was resolved. I now have my ticket! Thank You God! The ticket cost was $400, a little more than i expected it to be. I know that God will provide for me if i run out of money but i am being very wise with my spending. I will be leaving next Tuesday morning to go to the mountains and help David Pou with his ministry. The flight is about 5 hours from Bombay. I am unsure of....well, basically everything. All I know is that God has opened up this door for me and provided for me to go there. I have been praying and asking God that he would use me however he desires and if i am given the opportunity to share, that He would give me the words that i need to say. Please pray this for me.

This is what i see everyday when i need to go anywhere in India. This is actually a very nice looking rickshaw in comparison to all the others that i ride on a daily basis. The average cost of traveling somewhere in Borivoli (Colony where i live) is about 50 cents US. That doesn't seem like alot at all, but it adds up quickly after riding in a rickshaw around 8 times a day, and sometimes going outside of the little colony i live in (could cost $1 or more).

In a couple hours, I will be leaving to go to Yawhar. We will be going to a little village in the middle of nowhere (i mean that, in the middle of NOWHERE). We will be bringing them food as well as sharing with them a little message about God. Please pray for safety as we travel (6 hour ride in car) as well as for those who we will be giving food to and talking to about God. Pray that God allows them to understand how much he loves them, that He IS the living God and that He desires to have a relationship with them.

Mumbai, Home for Now.

Blessed.

I think that sums it up. I'm so grateful to be here and be able to help in any way that will be made available for me to do so. God has already been taking care of the little details. I was told that the process to buy a sim card for my phone would take at LEAST 3 weeks because i am not a citizen and need permission. That 'process' took 10 minutes and i now have a working cell phone. Thank You God.


I took the picture to the left yesterday while at the station. This is a normal sight here in Mumbai. I have been adjusting for jet lag while trying to familiarize myself with the railroad system and see where all of the stores/shops are that i will need on a daily basis. I feel very comfortable with the knowledge that i have so far. Yesterday, i went to the market to buy some fruit as well as to the mall (about 15 minutes in a rickshaw). It rained last night, and I stood in the rain for 20 minutes waiting for a rickshaw to pick me up and take me home. Last night i met with the local pastor her in Mumbai where i will be attending church. I let her know that i was here and ready to do anything that i am needed to do. I will be working more closely with the church when i return from Nagaland in several weeks. There are plans for this weekend to go to the orphanage as well as a church in a village located in the mountains.



Here is a picture from my train ride yesterday. I will be riding this same train today as i head to Church Gate, near the Taj Hotel, to pick up some things i need for my trip.

Thank You for praying for me and for reading this.

Prayer Request

On my flight from New Orleans to Washington I sat next to a man who was in the army and coming home from a 16 month stay in the middle east. He obviously heard the conversation i was having with a friend while getting on the plane because he asked me about what i was doing and where i was going. That opened the door for me to share my testimony and tell him how God wants to have a relationship with Him. There was no prayer said or a commitment made to Christ, but i do know that a seed was planted on that flight. Please keep Edgar in your prayers. He was headed to Virginia where he is stationed for the next 2 years.

I am buying my ticket today for Dimapur today. I will fly there next week and be picked up by David and Glory at the airport. We will then head to Nagaland where i will be living with them for several weeks. Please pray for my safety as well as God to open the door to share about Him.

On the Ground....

After 24+ hours in a plane...3 hours at the Mumbai airport and 2 hours with a crazy taxi driver, i finally made it to the apartment in Mumbai. Despite sitting in front of a crying baby for 12 hours, it was the smoothest trip i have ever taken. There were no problems at all. Thank You God for working out the small details.

I arrived in Mumbai around 6am on Tuesday morning (India time). I immediately went to sleep only to be wake up 2 hours later at 8am. Yesterday was spent unpacking, fighting to stay awake and beat jet lag, trying to get my phone connected here in India, reading and praying, and walking around in Borivili (town im staying in) trying to remember where everything is.

I talked to David and Glory (Nagaland) yesterday. I was surprised that i was able to get in touch with them as soon as i did. Less than 6 hours already in India, I was asked when i would be flying to the north to assist David with his ministry in Nagaland. I looked into buying a ticket leaving sometime early next week. The cheapest flight i could find was around $400. Today i will talk to the local pastor in Mumbai and find out if there is anything that they need me to do here in Mumbai. I expect to know my plans for the next 4 weeks later today.


It is Wednesday morning here, which means it is Tuesday night back home. Im praying for iTuesday and all my friends in New Orleans. Miss you guys. Thank You for reading this and continuing to pray for me. Please pray that God would give me wisdom and order my footsteps. Pray that God's plans would be obvious to me and i would not worry about the details of what is going to happen.

I have yet to take any pictures, but will post some as soon as i do.

Again, THANK YOU for praying for me.

India

Today i leave for India. The picture above (I took at the Shanti Orphanage in India last year when i was living there) basically describes how i feel right now as i type this. I am pumped.

Yesterday was spent getting everything packed and ready to go for today. This morning i will be going to my home church, Verbo, where i will be prayed for before i leave for India. I am thankful to have a church family that is committing to pray for me. My flight leaves at 5:15 pm today from New Orleans. I head to Washington, D.C, where i have a one hour layover. From there it's an 18 hour plane ride to Dubai. From there.....a 3 hour layover then a 5 hour flight to Mumbai, India. I will be arriving in India at 3 am on Tuesday morning.

I am excited to see what God has in store for me to be apart of in India for the next 48 days. I can honestly say that I am and have been listening to God more closely over the past several months leading up to this big step that i am taking. John 10:27 is something that i have been holding onto knowing that God desires to speak to us and lead us as we live this life. At this time....I am just following that voice into India knowing that God is going to do something amazing with me and to me.



Prayer Request



The annual Ganesh Festival will be starting soon after i arrive in India. The only way that i know how to describe this is by saying that it is a demonic Mardi Gras. There are alot of similarities to Mardi Gras with the addition of a god that is worshiped during this time, Ganesh. Ganesh is a boy with an elephant head and 6 arms. I do not know the entire story behind this festival, but i do feel uncomfortable when it happens. Please pray for my protection (physical and spiritual) during my stay as well as during this particular festival. I pray that God would use me in an amazing way during this time when so many people are turning to and worshiping idols .



The last time i was in India i met a couple who are missionary's to India, David and Glory Pou. I have been keeping in touch with David Pou since my last visit and our ministry in New Orleans has even been able to bless them financially. I wrote to David and told him that i would be visiting India. He immediately wrote me back and expressed that i was welcome where they are doing ministry at in India...a place called Nagaland. I am extremely pumped about the possibility of going to visit David and his family and see/assist in anyway that i can with the work they are doing. This is the email that i received from David last week:

'We are so glad that you are planinig to visit India. We will be very happy to have you in Nagaland. How many of you want to come and for how many days will you able to spend with us ?. We will arrange everything together and make all posible. Thank you so much brother. We are anxiously waiting for you.'

My plan is to visit David and his family shortly after I arrive in India. I will have to fly from Mumbai to Dimapur. Today i looked into how much a ticket would be to do that and the cost was around $350. At this moment, i cannot afford to buy that ticket but know that God will provide if it is His will for me to go. Please pray for this potential trip that i may take as well as David and his family who are planting a church in Nagaland.







Please pray for the people that i will come in contact with/be working with in Mumbai. Pray that they are open to the Gospel and that their hearts are receptive to the seed that will be planted. I am unsure of what magnitude i will be serving while in Mumbai, but please pray that if i am give the opportunity to preach or lead any sort of group that God would lead and guide me on what exactly to share about. Please pray that i am sensitive to the Holy Spirit and only what God wants me to say is said.



Thinking about the past couple weeks as i was preparing for this trip and sharing with my friends and family, i am so blessed to have those of you in my life that pray for me. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this and to pray for me and for these things i have shared with you. I have been prayed for more over the past month by friends and churches than any time in my entire life. Thank You to all of you who have allowed me to share about what i am doing and how God has led me to this point in my life. I do not have the words to express how much I am grateful for you. I love you and will be praying for all of you.

Please keep in touch with me via Facebook or email (sdaigle188@gmail.com). If you would like to help me financially, i have put a button on the right hand side of this blog where you can do so. If there is a specific place where you would like the money to be used (ex. Plane ticket, Shanti Orphanage, Church in Mumbai, etc..), please specify that when you are asked during the donation process.

Philippines 1:3
'I thank my God every time I remember You.'

Time to go.
Next time i blog will be from India.
Thats a crazy thought.
I'm pumped.